Napoleon

The leader of France who first makes his name during the French Revolution and then rises to power through the military to be proclaimed First Consul. Under Napoleon's leadership, France embarks on a period of war that lasts nearly twenty years and expands France's influence throughout Europe and into Africa. Napoleon creates a bureaucratic system of government which is set up in the countries conquered by France and widely adapted by France's neighbors.

Napoleon withstands several attempts by coalitions of France's enemies to oust him, but is finally defeated in 1814. He is exiled to the island of St. Helena, but in 1815 escapes and takes control of the French army which has marched to re-capture him. For three months, Napoleon again leads France before he is finally defeated at Waterloo in a battle with the British.

Napoleon's influence on the period treated by Hobsbawm is significant, and he...